All washed up? #4

Habits are hard to break.
Our minds are full of good intentions but they last only until our habit forming bodies take charge again returning us to our old ways. “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matt 26:41

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Heb 10:22

Our intentions maybe enough of a sprinkling to transform our minds but it is soon defeated by our bodies habits. I wonder if this is why Paul suggests that our bodies require a more vigorous ‘washing’ rather than the ‘sprinkling’ that our hearts needs?

Habits replace habits.
We can actual use habits as our strength rather than just our weakness.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb 10:23-25

We can be washed clean with a new creative habit.

Go on. Figure out how to spur another person an. Maybe spend time with them, or share a CD with them, perhaps play tennis together, or write to them, or even do their shopping, or chat about what God is doing; something that they will be encouraged by.
Make this your new victory forming habit; your going to encourage someone.

If you are not washed up for this purpose, then what are you washed up for?!

This weeks prayer points:

1. Rejoice because we are cleansed and redeemed, washed clean through the blood of Jesus.
2. Remember that Jesus washed his disciples feet and that we are also called to service. Pray that that you will remain humble in your service for your family, your church and your community.

3. Just as light shines brighter in darkness, pray that those in need of Christ we notice what He has done in your life; how he has cleaned your act up.